Category Archives: Columbus Blue Jackets

The Nashville Predators faced the Columbus Blue Jackets at Columbus’ Nationwide Arena this past weekend and a former Jackets player is a little miffed at how he was received. Ryan Johansen played for the Jackets nearly four NHL seasons before being involved in a blockbuster trade that brought Seth Jones to Columbus.
Ryan even was involved in 2015 All Star festivities in Columbus after a stellar 2014-15 season that saw him amass 26 goals and 45 assists. It is thought in many circles that Ryan was traded because he & head coach John Tortorella did not see eye-to-eye.

Apparently when Ryan returned to Columbus this past weekend, he expected a warmer return than he received; “I am a little disappointed they didn’t put anything on the Jumbotron and say ‘thank you’ or anything like that,” Johansen told the Columbus Dispatch. “I think we all know who made that call, but whatever.” The “who” is more than likely John Tortorella.

No, the only reception he received at Nationwide Arena was boos from the CBJ faithful. So what do you think? Did Ryan deserve some recognition from CBJ management or is he just being a whiner?

CLEVELAND BROWNS- Hope, any glimmer of hope. All the fans of this downtrodden franchise want is a sign that the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t an oncoming train.

CINCINNATI BENGALS- Success on the “big stage”. This is the season where the Bengals need to show their fans that they can deliver in ‘primetime’. Yes, Andy Dalton is injured…but AJ McCarron should keep the ship afloat until the “Red Rifle” can return in the playoffs.

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL- A convincing win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, the dominating victory over Michigan was nice but Buckeyes fans need a big win over the Irish to take the sour taste of no return to the College Football Playoff out of their mouths.

CINCINNATI REDS- A blueprint of a true, concrete plan. Most reasonable Reds fans probably understand the need for the mid-market team to shed payroll. But those fans also need to see what is being done to rebuild….or maybe just get some more sweet bobbleheads.

CLEVELAND INDIANS- A sense of direction. Is this team really in it to win it or just to keep their heads above .500? The franchise has made some vaguely interesting moves so far this offseason to pique interest among the fanbase but is it enough to compete in the AL Central?

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS- Leadership from within. Yes, the hiring of John Tortorella as head coach should provide discipline but the team needs leadership from the players themselves. Nick Foligno was elected captain but it still seems like someone, anyone, needs to start being a bit of an asshole in the locker room. Nice guys finish last especially in the NHL.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS- A NBA Championship. Pure and simple. This team is the only real hope Cleveland has of bringing a title to the city. If they fail this season, it doesn’t look possible anytime soon.

OHIO STATE BASKETBALL- A .500 season with maybe a couple of Big Ten Tournament wins would be nice. Kentucky win aside, this is a very young team and is due to disappoint Buckeyes fans a few more times this season. If they could sneak into the NCAA Tournament, that would be a bonus.

UC & XAVIER BASKETBALL- To use a cliche, “You keep being you”. Both of these teams exemplify why the city of Cincinnati is a true college basketball gem. UC & X are very good teams with great coaches at the helm. Added bonus, neither coach looks to be wanting to go elsewhere which should mean continued success for a long time.